Major changes are on the way to tackle the prescription drug abuse problem in Tennessee. Gov. Bill Haslam recently unveiled a seven-step plan to fight prescription drug abuse in Tennessee. WGNS went in-depth on this subject with a special edition of Rutherford Issues, as Bryan Barrett and State Rep. Mike Sparks were joined by Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Douglas Varney...

Varney says approximately 69-thousand people in the state are addicted to prescription drugs and nearly 221-thousand have used prescription pain relievers for non-medical purposes. To take a look at the department's multi-year plan, to listen back to the hour-long special and to leave your comments, log-on to WGNSRadio.com, keyword prescription.

WGNS SPECIAL "PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS" with Bryan Barrett, State Rep. Mike Sparks and Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Douglas Varney...

PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS

The seven steps as outlined by the plan:
Decrease the number of Tennesseans that abuse controlled substances.
Decrease the number of Tennesseans who overdose on controlled substances.
Decrease the amount of controlled substances dispensed in Tennessee.
Increase access to drug disposal outlets in Tennessee.
Increase access and quality of early intervention, treatment and recovery services.
Expand collaborations and coordination among state agencies.
Expand collaboration and coordination with other states.